Chardonnay

Nuthouse Chardonnay is Argyle's mastery of balance. Through a kinship between old world Dijon clones and their transplanted interpretation in the cool-climate of Oregon's Willamette Valley, Nuthouse Chardonnay strikes the balance between opulent creaminess and exacting minerality.

Blended from fruit across our three vineyard sites, 2013 Nuthouse Chardonnay exhibits cool-climate Willamette Valley Chardonnay at its core. The concentration and power of the Eola-Amity Hills is balanced by the vibrant acidity of the Dundee Hills. White peach, baking spice, and roasted hazelnut is framed around supple, textural delicacy. Entirely barrel fermented, the wine was allowed to age gracefully on full lees for 12 months in French oak, of which 20% were new. The creaminess and juicy mid-palate is enhanced through its long, mineral finish.

Argyle at its rarified best. This single-source Dijon clone Chardonnay is the nexus between Argyle's most cutting edge viticulture and most exacting winemaking.

This year's Spirithouse Chardonnay comes from the graceful slopes of the Knudsen Vineyard. Sitting at 700 feet elevation, this block consists of some of Oregon's first high density plantings of Dijon Clone Chardonnay, while fully barrel fermented and malo-lactic finished to frame the taut acidity of the Dundee Hills. Finely poised and elegant, yet with an underlying bead of salty, mineral edge, it cries out for Oregon Dungeness Crab. The flinty, melon austerity is countered with supple, roasted cashew and creamy texture, while the length is pure, vibratious nervosity. Lay this baby down for 10-plus years.

Our vineyards tell new stories each vintage. Our winemaking is informed through a conversation between sun & rain, warm days & cool nights. Argyle Chardonnay, grown on hillside slopes in the Willamette Valley, celebrates that dialogue with a fruit-sweetness & vibrancy that will reward curiosity & inspire conversations of your own.

Argyle Chardonnay is an exercise in purity. No bells or whistles, this 100% Dijon Clone Chardonnay is fermented half in stainless steel and half in neutral oak barrels. Argyle Chardonnay is all pure fruit focus and precision. The middle palate is ripe with melon and peaches, balanced with an underlying, subtle creaminess. The natural acidity is buoyant and fresh, finishing long and clean. Totten Inlet mussels steamed in sweet corn, chilies, cilantro and lime.

Mouthwatering is the first descriptor that comes to mind. A nose of sweet white peach, orange blossom, and cool nectarine with an overlay of toasted hazelnuts, clove and allspice that is so fresh, pure and clean that it just fires up those salivary glands. It opens with a full mouth feel with notes of baked peach and toasted hazelnuts and delicious notes of honey and hints of graham cracker. The palate finishes with clean oak spice notes and a stony minerality that quenches and excites. Pour me another glass of that Nuthouse!

In order to provide special attention to all of our guests, we require larger groups of 8 or more people to make arrangements prior to visiting the winery.If you have any questions, or if you would like to request a group visit, please email Argyle's Tasting Room Manager.

*During Memorial Day weekend and Thanksgiving weekend, large groups do not need to make reservations.